RAIL STRIKE CALLED OFF

Wednesday 19 Jul 2006

RAIL STRIKE CALLED OFF

Region & Route:: National

Network Rail today welcomed an announcement by the RMT trade union that it is suspending the 24-hour strike that was to start at noon on 21 July and the 48-hour strike that was to start at noon on 27 July. The announcement followed an agreement between Network Rail and the Executive of the RMT about the earlier implementation of a 35-hour working week for the operational staff whose pay deal has been in dispute, leading to the threat of strike action. The RMT will now recommend the pay deal – with the 35-hour working week now starting in August 2006 – to its members in a referendum that will close on 28 July. Welcoming the news, Network Rail Chief Executive, John Armitt, said: “This is good news for passengers and freight customers, who are no longer facing the disruption of a strike. This is also good news for our people, who could soon have their new pay deal implemented. We hope RMT members will vote to accept this deal, which includes a generous rise in pay and benefits – and which would see the 35-hour working starting next month.”

Notes to editors

The dispute was about the pay settlement for staff in Network Rail’s operations and customer services, projects and engineering and support functions Network Rail has been negotiating with the trades unions on this pay settlement since 13 February 2006 The settlement the RMT is going to recommend to its members includes: A rise of 3.2% backdated to April 2006 A rise of RPI + 0.75% from April 2007 The introduction of the 35-hour working week in August 2006 A significant increase in travel subsidies An increase in London allowances

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